Inside the White House with D.C.'s most wired reporter. Sign up for Mike Allen's Axios AM.

Trump announces Alex Azar as new pick to lead HHS

Azar in 2006. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

President Trump said today that he plans to nominate former pharmaceutical executive Alex Azar to lead the Health and Human Services department. Azar stepped down earlier this year as president of Eli Lilly; he served in senior roles at HHS under President George W. Bush.

What's next: Azar is sure to face tough questions from Senate Democrats during his confirmation hearings. They'll pressure him to restore outreach programs that support Affordable Care Act enrollment, and his tenure in the pharmaceutical industry will prompt questions about whether he'll do much to crack down on drug prices.